Michael Winner: Three actresses say the director demanded to see their naked breasts
One called the director a 'dirty old pervert’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, three women have come forward with claims director Michael Winner demanded to see their breasts.
Debbie Arnold (best known for playing April Branning on Eastenders), Cindy Marshall-Day, and another unnamed actress made the claims.
Speaking to the Sunday People, Arnold said Winner made the demands while she was auditioning for a role at his house.
"He asked me to take off my top, then my bra and told me to massage my breasts,” she told the publication.
"I asked him to repeat the question because I thought I was hearing things. I started walking away from the window and he asked me why.
"I told him I couldn't believe what he had said. I thought it was a joke so I was appalled when he repeated the question. I walked right up to him and told him, 'f*** off, you dirty old pervert’."
Marshall-Day made similar claims, saying the filmmaker — who died in 2013 — asked her to reveal her breasts in the 1980s. The third woman did as Winner asked while he smoked a cigar.
All three remained quiet about the incidents, not telling the police, but were encouraged to do so after numerous actresses made public allegations about Harvey Weinstein.
Weinstein has denied all allegations against him, the mogul reportedly saying from rehab that there’s a “conspiracy” against him.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Conversely, actors including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie have all accused Weinstein of harassment, while Rose McGowan has accused him of rape.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments